Africa Journey Necessities: 20 Issues I At all times Take (That May Shock You)

Final up to date on March seventh, 2026 at 01:17 pm

After over 16 years of travelling throughout Africa – from dusty overland roads and safari camps to tropical islands and bustling cities – I’ve realized that packing good makes life a lot simpler.

By way of loads of trial and error, I’ve discovered a set of necessities that at all times include me, irrespective of the place I’m going or how mild I’m travelling. These are my tried-and-tested favourites — the gadgets I genuinely use on each journey and wouldn’t wish to be with out.

This isn’t an entire packing checklist (you will discover that one right here) – and I’m not protecting the apparent authorized requirements like passports or Yellow Fever certificates – simply the issues that make Africa journey smoother, safer, and extra comfy.

Please Notice: Among the hyperlinks on this publish are affiliate hyperlinks, which is able to earn me a small fee at no further price to you. Affiliate gross sales assist with the working prices of this web site, so thanks on your help!

My Africa Journey Necessities – Electronics

1. Energy Financial institution

I by no means journey with no energy financial institution. You don’t need your telephone dying simply as you’re making an attempt to seize a sundown, discover your lodge, or present your e-ticket on the airport. On lengthy journeys, tenting with out electrical energy, or staying someplace off-grid, a dependable energy supply is crucial.

I’ve this one that may cost my telephone two to a few occasions. It’s been an absolute lifesaver on lengthy drives, in distant camps with restricted energy, or throughout occasional energy cuts – which, in Africa, do occur on occasion.

2. Journey Adaptor

In Africa, there are three foremost varieties of plugs: British, European, and South African, relying on the nation you’re visiting.

I really like my Skross 3-in-1 adapter, which converts British plugs to each European and South African – tremendous helpful when hopping between nations.

There’s additionally this one which converts from British to each South African and European and has USB ports. – I haven’t tried it but, however seems very promising and has nice critiques.

I even have a very good TESSAN adapter which converts British to South African and has 2 plugs plus USB ports so you’ll be able to cost a number of issues without delay. If you need a smaller one, this one simply has 1 plug.

These adapters will work in the event you’re changing British plugs to South African or European retailers. In case you’re travelling from different nations (USA, India, Australia, and so on.), ensure you deliver the best adapters to transform your plugs to British, South African, or European sockets.

3. Cables & USB Hub

In addition to my charging cables, I additionally journey with a multiport USB-C hub/dongle, which just about covers all my tech bases. On prime of that, I at all times deliver an AUX cables. It’d simply be me, however these are a lifesaver after I wish to play music and the automobile doesn’t have Bluetooth — tremendous easy, dependable, and stress-free.

It’s additionally good to have an excellent organiser case for all these wires too!

4. Head Torch/Lamp

A head torch (headlamp) is without doubt one of the most essential gadgets you’ll be able to pack for Africa – particularly in the event you’re backpacking or tenting. However even in the event you’re staying someplace a bit of extra luxurious, it’s nonetheless extremely helpful.

Many lodges and camps have dimly lit pathways, and strolling again to your tent after dinner is way simpler while you’ve acquired each arms free. They’re additionally invaluable through the occasional energy reduce, for rummaging by way of your bag in the dead of night, or for studying in mattress as soon as the generator switches off.

I exploit a chargeable head torch so I by no means have to fret about carrying spare batteries. Get one which has a purple mild – good for not disturbing folks as a lot and doesn’t appeal to bugs!

5. Cellphone Lanyard

It won’t be essentially the most glamorous merchandise, however my telephone lanyard is certainly one of my most-used journey devices.

It permits me to maintain my telephone helpful for images or instructions with out always rummaging by way of my bag. It’s particularly helpful on journey days, at border crossings, and on safaris when you could seize your digicam rapidly.

Oh, and you can even retailer your telephone pin, emergency contacts (in case you lose it) and any sim playing cards between it and the telephone too.

My Africa Journey Necessities – Clothes

6. Solar Hat

African sunshine may be intense, even within the cooler months, so a wide-brimmed hat is crucial for safeguarding your face and neck whereas exploring.

I’ve a suede leather-based hat from South African model, Rogue that’s crushable and appears nice on safari (no less than, I prefer it!). The draw back is that it’s fairly cumbersome and takes up area, and out of doors of safari it may possibly look a bit of over-the-top.

For on a regular basis put on, I often deliver a extra sensible hat like this one – it’s light-weight, quick-drying, and far simpler to pack, making it good for basic sightseeing or lengthy walks within the solar.

7. Sarong/Scarf

I often carry a sarong AND a shawl, however you might in all probability simply do with a sarong in the event you don’t wish to carry each.

They can be utilized as seaside towel, for protecting shoulders/knees for modesty in villages, solar cowl up, wrapped round your face like mud masks, cowl your hair, or perhaps a curtain for privateness when wild swimming!

They takes up virtually no area, dries rapidly, and is ideal for Africa’s heat local weather.

8. Kimono

I really like a kimonos and by no means journey with out them! They’re light-weight, vibrant, and might immediately make any outfit look a bit extra glam! And if it’s batik or African print – even higher!

I put on them over shorts, swimsuits, or attire, they usually’re additionally nice for protecting up in additional conservative areas. They’re a kind of items which might be each sensible and delightful – my favorite mixture.

9. Chub Rub Shorts

Sizzling, humid climate and many strolling can result in thigh chafing, so Snag chub rub shorts are an absolute important for me. They’re breathable, comfy, and cease any irritation – good for metropolis sightseeing, mountain climbing, or lengthy journey days.

10. Water Sneakers

I’ve tried a great deal of totally different journey sandals in Africa over time however a couple of 12 months in the past I discovered the Teva Hurricane Drift – the very best journey sandals ever. I wore them virtually daily for 4 months throughout Africa – no blisters, no odor, no put on.

They’re tremendous light-weight, waterproof, vegan, simple to wash, and go together with most outfits. The soles are thick sufficient to deal with thorns and tough floor, and you may even put on them with socks (important Africa nightwear).

The one negatives… they’ll come off in fast paced water (the velcro could possibly be higher) and I’ve acquired the slim model however they’re barely massive on my toes. I actually want I may design some myself; I’ve so many concepts!

I really like that they don’t rub, not like a number of the related canvas-style sandals that may chafe when moist. They’re not made for severe hikes, however for every part else, they’re good. I bloody love them.

Nowadays, they’re a bit arduous to search out (I actually needed to monitor them down – my pal beneficial them), and I believe they’ve been changed by the Hurricane XLT, which seems very related however is a bit of sturdier and heavier I consider.

My Africa Journey Necessities – Baggage

11. Crossbody Bag

I’m always on the transfer in Africa, so I want my necessities to be simple to achieve – but additionally safe. That’s why I virtually at all times put on a crossbody bag.

For daytime, I often rotate between two favourites. My Roka London bag is sensible, roomy and extremely light-weight – good for warm/humid climates while you don’t need something weighing you down. It sits near the physique and feels discreet sufficient for markets, airports, and busy streets.

My Troop London bag is sturdier and extra structured. Created from a canvas-style materials, so good for safari while you need one thing a bit of extra sturdy.

Then there’s my Uniqlo bag – my on a regular basis staple at residence and my go-to for evenings whereas travelling. It’s streamlined, fashionable and low-profile, making it good for dinners or sundown drinks. It folds down surprisingly small, so you’ll be able to pack it away simply while you don’t want it. Apparently, it may possibly even match a whole bottle of wine…

12. Foldaway Buying Bag

One in all my prime journey ideas is to pack a few foldable, light-weight baggage.

I often deliver no less than two – a water-resistant one and a canvas tote (often the free ones they provide you at Glastonbury Competition). The waterproof bag is right for purchasing, seaside days, or stashing footwear or moist, soiled garments, and it takes up hardly any area. Etihad typically offers them out on flights, they usually’re sensible – light-weight, simple to wash, and tremendous sensible.

They’re additionally quiet in contrast with plastic baggage (helpful in the event you’re sharing a room) and helpful in nations that ban plastic baggage like Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Morocco.

The canvas tote is ideal for laundry or as an additional carry bag, and since it’s washable and reusable, it’s an ideal eco-friendly swap for plastic.

13. Packing Cubes

I can’t categorical how a lot I really like a packing dice. When travelling round Africa – particularly on a tour the place you’re transferring from place to put each few days, staying organised is crucial if you wish to discover issues rapidly and keep away from dwelling in full chaos.

I’ve used my Eagle Creek packing cubes on each single Africa journey since 2009 (sure, the identical ones – and I journey lots!), they usually’re nonetheless going sturdy. Not a single rip or mark even. Actually, they’re the most effective journey investments I’ve ever made.

14. Wheelie Backpack

For Africa journey, I often desire a soft-sided bag, like a backpack or duffel, as a result of they match much better in safari automobiles than suitcases.

That mentioned, I would like it with wheels and a front-opening design – top-loading packs are just for me if I’m performing some severe trekking and weight distribution issues. A bag that opens absolutely from the entrance makes packing and accessing gear lots simpler.

Nowadays, I’m going for a “best-of-both-worlds” design: a bag that carries like a backpack when wanted but additionally opens and rolls like a suitcase, giving me most flexibility and comfort on the street.

For the final eight years or so I’ve been utilizing my Kathmandu 70 L wheeled backpack. The one time I don’t take that is if I’m occurring a mountain climbing journey (Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro and so on) and want a lighter bag for the porters to hold. Wheeled baggage are too heavy for that.

The 70L bag is kind of massive, however I really like having loads of area for all my gear, devices, and garments. That mentioned, my objective for subsequent time is to go smaller – both 50L or 60L – particularly now that I’ve a much bigger carry-on. Kathmandu even affords a 50L model of the bag, which is likely to be the right match. I’m additionally wanting on the Osprey Transporter 60L – it doesn’t have backpack straps, however I not often use them now anyway…

I actually love Eagle Creek baggage (my pal has one and it’s sensible), however they’re a bit massive for the way in which I journey. Eagle Creek – in the event you’re studying – in the event you may make a 50L or 60L model of your wheelie backpack I might be very grateful. Thanks!

15. Carry-On Bag

In case you hadn’t already guessed, I’m a bit obsessive about baggage – at all times looking for the right baggage system – and my present favorite carry-on is my Bagsmart bag. It’s intelligent, increasing from 28L after I wish to journey mild, to 38L after I want further area.

I want a bag that may maintain all my tech – laptop computer, digicam, lenses — plus toiletries, paperwork, and spare garments in case my baggage goes AWOL. This one ticks all of the containers: roomy, well-organised, and constructed to final, making it good for lengthy flights, street journeys, or any journey in between.

I additionally love – however haven’t used but – the Cotopaxi Allpa baggage. They arrive in several sizes together with 26L, 28L and 35L. Just like the Bagsmart, they’ve a strap on the again which lets you slide them onto a wheelie case deal with which is nice. And the colors are wonderful!

The one time I don’t take this fashion of bag as my carry-on is on trekking‑fashion journeys the place I want extra of a technical backpack – in these circumstances I exploit my Osprey mountain climbing daypack as an alternative, which is lighter, extra rugged, and simpler to hold on uneven trails, although it’s too massive to suit inside my foremost bag, so turns into my carry-on.

I additionally hold a smaller packable backpack tucked inside it. I pop that out for brief day hikes, café strolls, or every time I simply need one thing lighter and simpler to hold.

My Africa Journey Necessities – Well being & Different

16. Sunscreen

Discovering the best sunscreen (or any sunscreen) in Africa could be a bit tough in the event you’re not in a touristy space or a giant metropolis, so I have a tendency to hold it with me.

For my face, I swear by La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50. It’s light-weight, non-greasy, and doesn’t clog your pores, even in sizzling and humid situations. And, it doesn’t make me look shiny or make my eyes water, in order that’s a bonus!

I put on it daily in Africa – whether or not I’m on safari, wandering by way of markets, or enjoyable on the seaside.

Then for my physique, I exploit Bondi Sands aerosol as I discover sunscreen a ache to rub in and I’m usually travelling alone, so a sprig is simply simpler!

17. Bug Spray

I hate DEET, however sadly bugs completely love me. So every time I journey, I ensure to pack a few bottles of Incognito mosquito repellent. It’s not the most cost effective possibility, but it surely’s the very best various I’ve discovered that truly works.

If I run out, I often attempt to restock in Africa with my favorite South African model, Peaceable Sleep – if I can discover it – it’s a lot simpler to search out in Southern Africa. You should buy it at residence too, but it surely tends to be far more costly, so it’s often higher to select some up whilst you’re there.

You may after all purchase ins, however like sunscreen, it may be arduous to search out in some areas.

18. Juice Focus

This one may sound a bit bizarre – particularly for the non-Brits – however I at all times journey with a small bottle of juice focus that you just add to water. I’m horrible at ingesting plain water so get dehydrated, so this little trick helps lots. I often deliver this one which has added nutritional vitamins and low or no sugar choices.

When it’s sizzling, it’s very simple to achieve for Coke or Fanta, however that’s clearly not the healthiest behavior. Including a splash of juice focus makes water style so a lot better and helps me keep hydrated all through the day.

19. Electrolytes

Talking of staying hydrated…

You may often purchase electrolyte sachets in pharmacies, however I at all times deliver these ones with me. Those you discover domestically aren’t at all times the nicest tasting, and when you actually need one – after an extended sizzling journey day, a safari, or a barely ‘enthusiastic’ evening out – it’s good to have already got them in your bag already.

I’m at all times stunned what number of I get by way of on a single journey. I exploit them myself however I additionally find yourself handing them out to different travellers who’re feeling a bit dehydrated. They’re small, mild, and a kind of easy issues that may make a giant distinction.

20. Journey Insurance coverage

Okay, so that you in all probability know this by now, however you must at all times have journey insurance coverage when travelling to Africa. And by journey insurance coverage, I imply correct cowl – medical, evacuation, delays, disruption, devices, the entire shebang.

If one thing goes incorrect in a distant space, medical evacuation alone can price hundreds, so it’s not one thing you wish to danger travelling with out.

I’ve put collectively a information that will help you select the best Africa journey insurance coverage, together with what to search for and the businesses I personally suggest.

Ultimate ideas on packing for Africa…

Alongside the necessities on this checklist, there are many different little issues I at all times carry too: spare US {dollars}, string, garments peg, my passport and Yellow Fever certificates, a Buff, pens, tissues, hair bobbles, Imodium, eye drops… the checklist goes on.

If you wish to see every part I deliver, check out my full Africa packing checklist.

These small issues might sound easy, however they make a giant distinction – serving to me keep comfy, organised and prepared for something, whether or not I’m monitoring wildlife in Ruaha, island hopping in Madagascar, or enjoyable on the seashores of Zanzibar.

What are the stuff you by no means journey with out? I’d love to listen to your must-have gadgets within the feedback.

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If you want to affix certainly one of my Africa group journeys click on right here for particulars.

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